Candied almonds are a delicious and addictive treat that are perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a crunchy topping to desserts. These sweet and crunchy nuts are made by coating whole almonds in a caramelized sugar syrup, which hardens into a shiny and crisp shell when cooled. The result is a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Making candied almonds is surprisingly easy and requires just a few ingredients. You’ll need whole almonds, granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. The process involves cooking the sugar with water until it reaches the caramel stage, then quickly stirring in the almonds before spreading them out to cool and harden. The hardest part is resisting the temptation to eat them all before they have a chance to cool! Once the almonds are completely cooled and hardened, they can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks.
Ingredients
To make Candied Almonds, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of whole almonds
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup of water
These ingredients are easy to find and are commonly used in many recipes. The whole almonds provide a crunchy texture, while the granulated sugar adds sweetness. The salt enhances the flavor and helps balance the sweetness. Ground cinnamon can be added to give the almonds a hint of warm and aromatic flavor. The water is used to create a sugar syrup that coats the almonds and helps them caramelize.
Tip: You can customize this recipe by adding different spices or flavorings to the almonds. For example, you can try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle vanilla flavor.
Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and addictive treat that is perfect for snacking or for adding a sweet and crunchy element to various dishes and desserts.
Steps to make Candied Almonds
To make candied almonds, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can proceed with the following steps:
- In a large non-stick skillet, combine sugar, water, and salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup starts to bubble.
- Add the almonds to the skillet and toss them in the syrup. Make sure all the almonds are coated evenly.
- Continue cooking the almonds over medium heat, stirring frequently. The syrup will start to thicken and coat the almonds.
- Once the syrup has thickened and the almonds are caramelized, remove the skillet from heat. Be careful as the syrup will be very hot.
- Quickly transfer the almonds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and spread them out in a single layer to cool. Be careful not to touch the hot almonds as they can burn your skin.
- Allow the almonds to cool completely before serving. They will continue to harden as they cool.
Your delicious candied almonds are now ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips from professional chefs for making Candied Almonds
When making Candied Almonds, it’s important to follow a few tips from professional chefs to achieve the perfect result. First, make sure to use raw almonds for best results. Raw almonds have a neutral flavor and will absorb the caramel coating better than roasted almonds. It’s also crucial to toast the almonds before adding the caramel. Toasting brings out their natural flavors and adds a nice crunch to the final product.
Next, it’s important to prepare the caramel mixture properly. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution. When making the caramel, be patient and cook it on low heat to avoid burning. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
Lastly, store the candied almonds in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispiness. If you want to give them as gifts, package them in decorative jars or bags with personalized labels. Candied almonds make great party favors or snacks for any occasion!
Reviews
As a real foodie, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try. When I came across the recipe for candied almonds, I knew I had to give it a go. Let me tell you, these almonds exceeded all of my expectations! The combination of crunchy almonds and sticky, sweet caramel coating was absolutely divine. The recipe was incredibly easy to follow and the end result was a batch of perfectly coated almonds that were simply irresistible.
One thing I loved about this recipe is that it allowed for customization. I added a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel coating to give it a touch of savory goodness. It worked brilliantly and balanced out the sweetness perfectly. I also experimented with different spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, to give the almonds a warm and cozy flavor. The options are endless, and I can’t wait to try more variations in the future.
The candied almonds made for a great snack option. They were addictive and had that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. I found myself reaching for them throughout the day, whether I needed a quick energy boost or simply craved something delicious to munch on. They also made a fantastic addition to my cheese platter, providing a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness that paired perfectly with the various cheeses.
All in all, I highly recommend giving the recipe for candied almonds a try. It’s a simple yet impressive treat that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re preparing them for yourself or to share with friends and family, these candied almonds are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Prepare to be hooked!
I recently tried the Candied Almonds and they were absolutely delicious! The recipe was incredibly simple to follow and the results were amazing. The combination of the sweet, caramelized sugar coating and the crunchy almonds was perfection. It was the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
The process of making the Candied Almonds was also quite enjoyable. It involved cooking the almonds in a simple sugar syrup and continuously stirring until they were caramelized and coated in a glossy, sugary glaze. The aroma that filled my kitchen while making these almonds was absolutely mouthwatering.
When I finally got to taste the Candied Almonds, I was blown away. The crunchiness of the almonds combined with the sweet, caramelized coating was simply divine. Each bite was incredibly satisfying and addictive. They were the perfect snack to satisfy my sweet tooth.
I also loved how versatile these Candied Almonds were. I enjoyed them on their own as a snack, but they could also be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or a delicious addition to a salad. The possibilities are endless!
All in all, I would highly recommend trying the Candied Almonds. The recipe is easy to follow and the end result is absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy them on their own or use them to enhance other dishes, you won’t be disappointed. They are the perfect combination of sweet and nutty, and are sure to satisfy any craving.
I recently tried the Candied Almonds recipe and I was blown away by how delicious they turned out. The combination of crunchy almonds and sweet caramel coating was simply perfect. It was the perfect treat to satisfy my sweet tooth.
The recipe was incredibly easy to follow and required minimal ingredients. I loved how the almonds were roasted to perfection before being coated in the caramel mixture. This added an extra level of depth and flavor to the final product.
The candied almonds were the perfect balance of crunchy and chewy. The caramel coating was sticky and sweet, but not overly so. It complemented the natural nuttiness of the almonds perfectly. I couldn’t stop snacking on them!
Overall, I highly recommend trying the Candied Almonds recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive treat that will have your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for yourself, these candied almonds are sure to be a hit.
